Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Tip the Scale

"1. Drink more water: Wake up to 16 ounces of cold water in the mornings, and you'll do three important things: jumpstart your metabolism, hydrate for better burning throughout the day, and fill your stomach. Reach for water throughout the day instead of food—many times our body confuses hunger for thirst.

2. Eat breakfast every day, and pack your lunch: It takes less time than you think—store last night's dinner in a plastic container, and you're all set for the next day.

3. Lift and run: The most effective strategy is a one-two approach of weightlifting and high-intensity interval training. According to a recent University of Southern Maine study, 30 minutes of pumping iron burns as many calories as running at a 6-minute-per-mile pace for the same duration and builds more muscle.

4. Sleep: Lack of shut-eye may disrupt the hormones that control your ability to burn fat and can promote unhealthy nighttime eating. Aim for 7 hours each night. Can't sleep? Review your goals, both weight loss and otherwise."